Brennan Bernardino looks to build on his success after sneaky good season
During the 2023 season, Brennan Bernardino was among the few bright spots for the Boston Red Sox. After being claimed off waivers from the Mariners, the California native made 55 appearances and struck out 58 batters. Due to his play, he enters the 2024 campaign with higher expectations.
In 50.2 innings during the 2023 campaign, Bernardino posted a 3.20 ERA while holding opponents to a .250 batting average. He also added four holds to his resume. As Bernardino became one of Alex Cora’s most trusted arms, he thrived regardless of the situation.
At times, Bernardino was called upon to play the opener role. His versatility made the former the 26th-round pick a weapon regardless of the level.
“He has the ability to go one plus or multiple innings.” WooSox manager Chad Tracy told Andrew Parker’s Beyond the Monster last May . “I think you will see times where we use him for a stretch of lefties, and other times where we use him for multiple innings where he has some righties.”
Although the Red Sox roster has undergone many changes, their bullpen is again expected to be a strength. That is partly due to Bernardino, who did a great job limiting hard contact. He only allowed four home runs during the 2023 campaign.
The key for Bernardino this season will be consistency. While he posted a 7.36 ERA last September, five of the six runs he allowed came in one outing. If he can avoid outings like that, he will again be one of Alex Cora’s go-to options.
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